So Far, So Good At Philadelphia International Airport
By Syma Chowdhry
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Passengers traveling for the Thanksgiving holiday are thankful – so far – for on-time departures at Philadelphia International Airport, something that's not guaranteed this time of year.
"I'm just hoping I get out today without delays and get home safely," says Nathaniel Barzideh.
The airport is preparing for 90,000 to 100,000 people to pass through this week. But heavy volume combined with bad weather across the country means travelers should expect some delays and cancellations.
"We are anticipating more adverse weather north and west of us. So we are keeping an eye, currently, on the other northeast airports," says Victoria Lupica, the airport's spokesperson.
US Airways has a hub in Philadelphia offering several connecting flights, which can make things more complicated for passengers.
"If, for some reason, the storm materializes and becomes worse than anticipated and we do have to cancel some flights, it could affect destinations across the country," explains Todd Lehmacher, of US Airways.
Several airlines are waving change fees for those traveling in advance of the holiday.
"We had to rush, because we were at school, and we had to leave early and we had to rush to finish packing," said one frantic family.
Travelers are being advised to leave early and check in with their airlines.
"We have a hospitality program if anyone needs snacks, water. We have pillows, blankets -- anything we can do to make people more comfortable," Lupica says.
